Multi-million dollar childcare facility set to be constructed in Kununurra

Some much needed relief in the Kimberley childcare sector could soon be on its way with the Federal Government announcing a new multi-million dollar childcare facility to be built in Kununurra.

The centre will be run by local Kununurra Aboriginal organisation the Wunan Foundation with the centre set to cost up to $7.5m and proposed to be able to provide care for up to 50 children per year.

Early Childhood Education Minister Dr Anne Aly said all Australian children should have access to quality early childhood education regardless of where they live.

“We know that when children access quality early childhood education and care they do better throughout life, from better health outcomes, improved school readiness and higher paying jobs later in life,” she said.

“The new services will ensure more First Nations children can access the transformational health and education benefits of early childhood education and care while also being better prepared for their first years of school.”

Another multi-million dollar childcare facility to be built next to Broome North Primary School was announced in August last year with that facility expected to supply childcare for up to 90 children.

When the facilities might be operational was not provided.

It comes after the Advertiser reported last year that there were year-long waiting lists in the Kimberley for child care services and a Victoria University report that labelled the Kimberley a “childcare desert”.